Donate your kitchenware and help new students save costs and settle in

The Chaplaincy is appealing for donations of kitchenware to support the Preloved Project.  

The cost of living can be a great strain to students, and international students especially, who often come to the country with very little. This project aims to help equip new students with a few kitchen and homeware items, allowing them to save their money to spend on other essentials.  

The Preloved Kitchenware project, which originally started in 2019, has proved very popular year on year.  To help spread the word and garner donations, the Chaplaincy has recently employed four student Preloved Champions Eseubong Odofia, Sharon Ozurumba, Ayesh Bedre, Princess  Yurume Omonseh. In this video, hear from Eseubong and Sharon as they introduce the impactful work of the project and appeal for support with donations.  

Eseubong Odofia, who is studying for a Masters’ degree in Data Science, said: “The Pre-loved Project is aimed at touching lives by helping people in need. We are trying to help first year students, mostly international students, who don't bring kitchenware with them. 

“We are appealing for donations from people who are looking to give to charity, from individuals and from organisations.  We are collecting various kitchenware items, pans, plates, glasses, utensils, things - that students would spend most of their money on when they get here, to help them save as much cost as they can, as being a student you have a lot of things to buy.”  

Sharon Ozurumba, a postgraduate student of Cyber Security, added: “A lot of students come in and they’re so amazed to see that all this is free. Honesty, this project means a lot. The reason i applied for this role is because I was a beneficiary when I first came here, and the money I saved I was able to spend on other things. It meant a lot to me and I’m sure it would mean a lot to other people.”  

One of many grateful student recipients said: “Thank, for the help and support from the Chaplaincy. It’s a real help to the new students who are beginners. I saved a lot of money, which can be used for other purposes. In the end thanks for this lovey experience.” 

Whilst the Preloved Project has gratefully collected many donations from local churches, charities, members of the University and extended community – stocks run down fast, and your help is needed so they can continue to help more students feel at home.  

If you’re looking to declutter (and who isn’t?) and you can spare any pots and saucepans, woks, bowls and plates, utensils, chopping boards, glasses, cups and mugs and so on, please donate to the Preloved Project. Saucepans in particular are in high demand and short supply! 

Items can be dropped off at the Chaplaincy on Molineux Street, or at the Workplace in Ambika Paul Building, at City Campus, or collection can be arranged from Walsall and Telford campuses.  

Items which are not accepted include knives and electrical items.  

Donations of winter accessories of hats, gloves and scarves are also welcomed.  

Whilst this project is not collecting clothing and other accessories (shoes, bags) – if you’re looking to clear out your wardrobe, the Students’ Union is collecting such donations, which you can drop off at the SU at any time.

Please help to spread the word and keep this important work going. 

If you have any questions about the project, or to request a collection, you can contact the team at Chaplaincy@wlv.ac.uk.

To see updates on this project, and other Chaplaincy activity, follow their social media channels:  

Instagram www.instagram.com/wlvunichaplaincy  

Facebook www.facebook.com/wlvchaplaincy  

Find out more at wlv.ac.uk/chaplaincy.